Most of us are aware that birds frequently vocalize. Some might find the sounds inspiring and soothing (scientific studies have shown that birdsong tends to make humans feel relaxed), or bothersome (a pesky house sparrow that begins bleating outside your bedroom window before dawn). Some sounds are distinctive (most people... more >>

Often when I use my smartphone to look up the subject of some insignificant curiosity, I have this feeling that surely there are no more believers of harmlessly romantic legends in this age of information.

Yet, time and again, I’ve been asked, with a hint of excitement, “Is it true that... more >>

California Coastal Cleanup Day is always a watershed event here in the Golden Gate National Parks. The reason? You! Our dedicated community of enthusiastic volunteers, motivated site captains, and generous sponsors is what makes this annual event such an incredible success every year.

Undoubtedly, the best place in California to view migrating raptors is Hawk Hill. Hoping to view some impressive birds of prey, you grab your binoculars and head up to the hill. While you are scanning the skies for hawks, a cloud of tiny birds zooms into view, filling your binocular... more >>

We’ve seen the statistics. For the first time in history, the majority of people now live in cities. What’s more, urbanization is rising rapidly, with today’s 3.5 billion city dwellers swelling to 5 billion in 2030 and 6.3 billion by 2050.

It’s August—one last chance for a big summer outing with the kids! Taking the family to an amusement park this summer can cost hundreds of dollars. Why not bring the gang out to the Golden Gate National Parks, where 80,000 acres of redwood groves, sandy beaches, rocky coastline, secluded coves,... more >>

“Renaissance man” is an apt sobriquet for Ron Maykel. A close neighbor of Mori Point in Pacifica, Ron not only has a dazzling array of interests befitting someone with such a moniker—he also played a key role in that park site’s rebirth.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a great place to see birds. You can see the largest migration of raptors in western North America in the Marin Headlands, find spotted owls in Muir Woods, or see shorebirds at Lands End (to name just a few).